Successfully Held Fourth Event of the JURKA 24–25 Project

JURKA 24–25 Project, Karlovac, May 10, 2025

On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the fourth event of the JURKA 24–25 Project was held, co-financed by the European Union under the CERV programme (Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values). The project is based on cooperation between partners from Slovenia and Croatia, including RIC Bela krajina, the Municipality of Črnomelj, the City of Karlovac, and the Tourist Board of Karlovac County.

The event, titled “Celebrating Diversity – Folklore is in Our DNA”, took place at the Atrium of Knowledge in Karlovac. The program opened with welcome speeches by Ms. Kristina Medarić, President of the FA Matija Gubec association and Vice President of CIOFF International, and Mr. Jaka Birkelbach, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Črnomelj.

This was followed by a presentation of Bela krajina by Tadej Fink, with a special focus on the Municipality of Črnomelj and the region’s rich intangible cultural heritage. In an engaging animated performance, members of the Dragatuš Folklore Group captivated the audience with traditional dances and songs from Bela krajina. Kristina Zajc, a group member, then presented the traditional Bela krajina costume and its evolution through time.

A demonstration of playing traditional musical instruments from the region followed. During the workshop, visitors had the opportunity to try playing the gudalo, a traditional string instrument.

The promotion of the cultural heritage of Črnomelj and Bela krajina also included a local crafts exhibition, prepared by artisan Tončka Jankovič from Bela krajina. She showcased bobbin lace, crocheted products, and woven wool items. With her guidance, visitors could try knitting with oversized (XXXL) knitting needles.

The event continued with a dance workshop, where visitors joined the folklore dancers and learned the basic steps of traditional Bela krajina dances. The event was moderated by Tadej Fink.

Following the cultural program, a tasting of typical Bela krajina dishes was held. Baked goods such as belokranjska pogača, povitica, buckwheat potica, and Črnomelj pretzels were prepared by Bernarda Kump. Meat products were provided by Bojan Čadonič, and wine was served from the Metlika Wine Cellar.

After the refreshments, visitors enjoyed a guided tour of the city of Karlovac, where they discovered the city’s historical and cultural attractions. At the end of the event, a survey was conducted among participants to gather feedback on their experiences and the overall impact of the event.

You are warmly invited to the next JURKA 24–25 project event—a round table discussion—which will take place in June 2025 in Črnomelj as part of the international folklore festival Jurjevanje in Bela krajina.

The activities of the JURKA 24–25 project are co-financed by the European Union.